Edirippulige, S., & Armfield, N. (2016). Education and training to support the use of clinical telehealth: A review of the literature. Journal of Telemedicine And Telecare, 23(2), 273-282.
Despite the considerable investments and policy changes, the adoption of telehealth is still limited. Edirippulige and Armfield (2016) contend that since the application of telehealth engenders a change in practice, it should be supported by the appropriate skills development for the current and future practitioners. The authors argue that the application of the various components of cognitive learning mitigates the healthcare practitioners’ single largest dilemma of the future competencies required to work in a technology-infused environment. The article implies that physicians’ training programs commence by changing the thoughts and perceptions of the professionals, and support the development of new understandings and insights. Edirippulige and Armfield (2016) assert that the systematic organization and delivery of information and knowledge on telehealth progressively equip physicians with domain-specific problem solving skills. This article is insightful and relevant due to its distinctive focus and emphasis on information processing, curiosity stimulation, and relevance to healthcare professionals’ goals.
Additionally, telehealth trainers recognize that physicians are not passive information recipients but actively participate in the construction of their understanding. Edirippulige and Armfield’s (2016) publication postulate that positioning practitioners at the center of the training stimulate learning and skills acquisition. For instance, the authors argue that the participation of trainees in live lectures, integrating them in the development of the national telehealth plan, and role playing in clinical interactions using telehealth is critical. Therefore, this article provides invaluable perspectives on systematic change management approach and skills development in telehealth among physicians.
Kissi, J., Dai, B., Dogbe, C. S. K., Banahene, J., & Ernest, O. (2019). Predictive factors of physicians’ satisfaction with telemedicine services acceptance. Health Informatics Journal, 26(3), 1866-1880.
The adoption and subsequent success of telemedicine are predicated on the satisfaction derived by the users. According to Kissi et al. (2019), the perceived use of ease and usefulness are fundamental considerations and determinants which enhance the acceptability and adoption of telehealth technology by physicians. The article illustrates the critical significance of building on physicians’ previous experience when designing training programs. According to Kissi et al. (2019), integrating prior knowledge stimulates positive expectations and establishes an inherent zeal to apply the acquired knowledge. This perspective recognizes the need to address various key internal factors within the physicians, such as perceptions regarding how the new technology will enhance their effectiveness and technologically prepare them for the future. Additionally, the training should consider alignment with the existing clinical workflow and not impose additional tasks.
Moreover, trainers should foster curiosity and strategically organize the learning experiences to ensure they are meaningful. For instance, tutors often neglect the emotional aspect of learning, which impedes effective learning by leaving specific attributes of the subject unattended. Kissi et al. (2019) accentuate that telemedicine extends the traditional medical experience beyond the typical hospital jurisdictions, translating to greater satisfaction and effectiveness of the routine functions and tasks, such as diagnosis and consultation. This article offers useful dimensions through which training programs can be designed to foster acceptance and proactive learning by making the physicians understand the novel concept of telehealth and how it maximizes their occupational satisfaction.
Albarrak, A. I., Mohammed, R., Almarshoud, N., Almujalli, L., Aljaeed, R., Altuwaijiri, S., & Albohairy, T. (2019). Assessment of physician’s knowledge, perception, and willingness of telemedicine in Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia. Journal of Infection and Public Health, (2019), 1-8.
Telehealth visits have been widely embraced and used to enhance accessibility and quality of care. Albarrak et al. (2019) note that despite the acquisition of advanced communication equipment among physicians, their deployment in telehealth remains relatively low. However, the article illustrates that the medical workers vastly prefer telehealth virtual visits compared to office attendance. A study conducted in Riyadh region demonstrated an overall positive perception and attitude towards telehealth among care providers. The findings of the cross-sectional survey revealed a 90% acceptability of telehealth as a viable strategy for providing medical care to patients (Albartrak et al., 2019). Additionally, the respondents acknowledged the potential of telemedicine in saving time and money, the willingness to integrate it within the existing system, and its extensive clinical usefulness. This article is critical as it offers useful insights on the growing predilection of telehealth appointment settings over the conventional environment. Moreover, the physicians’ acquisition of advanced communication devices pinpoints their eagerness to adopt and utilize telehealth in their operations.
Waseh, S., & Dicker, A. (2019). Telemedicine training in undergraduate medical education: Mixed-methods review. JMIR Medical Education, 5(1), e12515.
Over the past few decades, the adoption and application of telemedicine have grown exponentially, significantly transforming the contemporary healthcare trends. Waseh and Dicker (2019) note the remarkable integration of telemedicine competencies in the education programs for healthcare professionals. This article recognizes the indispensability of aligning the current education and training with this emerging pattern to effectively leverage its effectiveness and improve quality of care. Tele-assessments, ethics in telehealth, clinical rotations, and telemedicine-based lessons are all critical in supporting telehealth. This publication demonstrates the significance of implementing telemedicine curricula across the medical training and education programs as the foundations of developing familiarity and increasing comfort when applying telemedical approaches. According to Waseh and Dicker (2019), continued exposure with telehealth equips physicians with the technical and professional know-how to support the provision of care when distance separates the medic and the patient. Therefore, the article explicitly outlines the critical components necessary to support the comprehensive rollout of telemedicine.